Kingston’s financial leadership moved nearly $2 million in capital spending toward Town Meeting this week, while simultaneously grappling with a looming leadership exodus that could leave the Finance Committee with three empty seats. The committee focused heavily on emergency services infrastructure, highlighting a critical need for equipment that has outlived its expiration dates. Jeremy, the Capital Planning Committee Chair, presented a $613,949 list of immediate needs funded by free cash, ranging from a roof replacement at Fire Station One to a fleet of new cardiac monitors and chest compression units. He underscored the urgency by pointing to a failed tractor at the schools that forced custodians to shovel snow manually during a recent storm, calling the situation a safety risk.

The spending recommendations extended into a $1.2 million lease package, dominated by final payments on a 100-foot ladder truck and the acquisition of a new ambulance. While the town previously refurbished existing ambulances, the committee heard that quality has dipped following a corporate buyout of the refurbishing vendor. Jeremy explained that the Fire Chief now prefers a full replacement, noting that ambulance revenue reached $1.7 million last year, effectively allowing the vehicles to pay for themselves. Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to recommend favorable action on projects 1 through 6 for proposed capital planning as amended, with total capital receipts of $670,139.94 funded by free cash and unspent others. Motion Passed (4-0-1), with Chair Michael Cowett abstaining due to his candidacy for Town Moderator.

A separate Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to recommend favorable action on the proposed leases for the total appropriation amount of $1,235,072. Motion Passed (4-0-1), with M. Cowett again abstaining. Despite the consensus on capital items, the committee clashed over the $2.75 million Water Department budget. A representative from the Water Department presented a budget already vetted by the elected Board of Water Commissioners, but the debate centered on $482,562 in town allocated costs—reimbursements to the general fund for accounting and audit services. Member Derek Billnitzer suggested the committee’s role was limited, stating, I view our vote as almost a rubber stamp because it has already been looked at by elected officials. Member Marsha Meekins quickly pushed back on that characterization. I have to respectfully disagree, Derek, Meekins said. I view our vote as an integral part of our responsibilities to look at every individual budget. Due to a lack of updated documentation on the floor, the committee postponed the water budget vote to a future meeting.

The committee also scrutinized the town’s IT operations, specifically a $140,000 annual contract for a consultant who is in the office two days a week. I think a full-time in-house person would cost less, Meekins argued, suggesting the current model is expensive compared to previous years. Billnitzer added that the town had even discussed paying an existing employee a stipend for emergency tech support because the consultant is not always available. Town Administrator Scott Lambiase noted the contract is annual but expressed confidence in the transition to online permitting. Motion Made by D. Billnitzer to vote for favorable approval on the IT budget in the amount of $461,856. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

As the town approaches the May 16 election, the committee’s own future appears uncertain. Chair Cowett announced that if he is elected Town Moderator on Saturday, he will likely step down immediately, creating a third vacancy on the board. The committee is already seeking volunteers for its current opening, alongside vacancies on the Capital Planning and Community Preservation committees. Further thinning the ranks, Billnitzer announced he is putting his house on the market and will likely depart the committee shortly. There will be a need for reorganization, Cowett warned, urging residents to email the town to fill the gaps. Town Administrator Lambiase also reminded the board that the upcoming Town Meeting warrant has ballooned to roughly 65 pages, requiring significant due diligence in the weeks ahead.